Born in Chicago to Swedish/Italian parents, Lofgren moved to the Washington, D.C., area as a teenager. His first instrument was the accordion. He was also a competitive gymnast in high school, a skill that popped up later in his career.
Lofgren joined Neil Young's band in 1968 at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. Lofgren would maintain a close musical relationship with Young, appearing on his Tonight's the Night album and tour among others. He was also briefly a member of Crazy Horse, appearing on their 1971 LP and contributing songs to their catalogue.
From '71 to '74 Lofgren was active in Grin, the band he founded in '69. After landing a record deal in '71 the band released 4 critically-acclaimed albums but met with little commercial success.
In 1975 Lofgren released his a self-titled solo album featuring songs that went on to become staples of his solo performances; 'Keith Don't Go', 'Back it Up' and the cover of Carole Kings 'Goin' Back'.
Solo albums and tours followed every year through the 70s as Lofgren established himself as a top guitarist and live performer earning the respect and acclaim of his peers.
Bruce Springsteen made the call in 1984 and Lofgren joined the E-Street Band for the 'Born in the USA' tour. Lofgren was instant hit with Springsteens fans through his playing and vibrant on stage persona. Lofgren remains a stalwart of the E-Street Band to the present day.
Lofgren continues to juggle his tenure with the Springsteen Band and a solo recording career, whilst writing and performing with many other artists. His 2008 album 'Nils Sings Neil' was a project featuring Lofgren acoustically covering songs written by Neil Young, his former bandleader in Crazy Horse.
Blue Skies
Nils Lofgren Lyrics
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It's so hard to see past my fears
My strength seems to fade and it's all I can do
To hold on 'til the light reappears
Still, I believe though some rain's bound to fall
That You're here next to me and You're over it all
Lord, the sky's still blue, for my hope is in You
You're my joy, You're the dream that's still alive
You are life, You're grace
You are blue skies, You're my blue skies
When nights are long seems the dark has no end
Still we walk on in light of the truth
For waiting beyond where the morning begins
Is the dawn and You're mercy anew
Oh, to believe we're alive in You're love
There is so much to see if we keep looking up
Lord, the sky's still blue, for my hope is in You
You're my joy, You're the dream that's still alive
Like the wind at my back and the sun on my face
You are life, You're grace
You are blue skies, You're blue skies
You fill the Heavens with hope and a higher love
A picture, a promise for life
Lord, the sky's still blue, for my hope is in You
You're my joy, You're the dream that's still alive
Like the wind at my back and the sun on my face
You are life, You're grace
And the sky's still blue, for my hope is in You
You're my joy, You're the dream that's still alive
Like the wind at my back and the sun on my face
You are life, You're grace
You are blue skies, You're blue skies
You are blue skies
Nils Lofgren's song "Blue Skies" expresses the singer's experiences of finding hope and comfort in God during difficult times when doubt and fear cloud his view. The lyrics suggest that even when life seems all-consuming with darkness, there is still a glimpse of light, and it comes from above. The singer finds strength in the belief that God is always present and watching over him. He acknowledges that although there may be hard times, he has hope and joy in his heart because of his faith in God. The overall message of the song is one of resilience and the courage to persevere in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
On days of gray when doubt clouds my view
During times of uncertainty and insecurity, it becomes difficult to see things clearly.
It's so hard to see past my fears
Fear can distort our perception and hinder our ability to move forward.
My strength seems to fade and it's all I can do
When we feel weak and powerless, it becomes a struggle to hold on.
To hold on 'til the light reappears
Despite the challenges we face, we must persevere until we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Still, I believe though some rain's bound to fall
Even though hardships are inevitable, one must maintain faith and hope.
That You're here next to me and You're over it all
Despite the struggles, there is a higher power watching over us and we are not alone.
Lord, the sky's still blue, for my hope is in You
Despite the difficulties, there is a sense of peace and trust in a higher power.
You're my joy, You're the dream that's still alive
The higher power brings joy and hope to our lives, even amidst the struggles.
Like the wind at my back and the sun on my face
The presence of the higher power gives us the strength and courage to move forward.
You are life, You're grace
The higher power sustains and uplifts us in every aspect of our lives.
When nights are long seems the dark has no end
During prolonged times of darkness and uncertainty, it is easy to lose hope.
Still we walk on in light of the truth
Despite the challenges, we must keep moving forward with hope and truth.
For waiting beyond where the morning begins
There is a promise of a new and better tomorrow.
Is the dawn and You're mercy anew
The higher power brings new mercies and hope with each new day.
Oh, to believe we're alive in You're love
Believing in the higher power's love gives us a sense of purpose and belonging.
There is so much to see if we keep looking up
By keeping our eyes focused on the higher power, we can find hope and positivity even in the midst of challenges.
You fill the Heavens with hope and a higher love
The higher power's love and hope transcend beyond this world.
A picture, a promise for life
There is a promise of a fulfilling and purposeful life with the higher power's love and hope.
And the sky's still blue, for my hope is in You
Despite the difficulties, there is a sense of peace and trust in the higher power.
You are blue skies
The higher power represents a sense of hope and positivity.
Contributed by Austin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.